Four arrested for shoplifting at Cambridge businesses; 5th suspect runs

Rick Stillion The Daily Jeffersonian Published: June 12, 2014 1:00 PM

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Cambridge police officers investigating five separate shoplifting incidents at a pair of Southgate Parkway businesses Wednesday arrested four individuals and continued to search for a fifth suspect who was able to flee prior to the arrival of police.

The value of the merchandise involved in the incidents at Walmart and Kmart exceeded $1,000, according to police reports.

Those arrested by Cambridge police were transported to the Guernsey County Jail and all four face upcoming court hearings to answer to the charges.

According to reports, the first incident at Kmart was reported at 2:14 p.m.

Officers charged Teresa L. Keener, 53, Kimbolton, with theft after she allegedly tried to shoplift items from the store. The exact value of the items was not available as of press time.

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Officers next responded to Walmart at 6:26 p.m. after a male was allegedly caught trying to shoplift merchandise valued at $240.63.

Police charged Joseph S. Brownfield, 29, New Concord, with theft and transported him to the county jail.

Officers returned to the Walmart store approximately 30 minutes later after store security reported apprehending a male trying to shoplift $354.91 worth of merchandise. Michael E. Casey, 43, Cambridge, was charged with theft and criminal trespassing for the alleged incident and he was served with an unrelated bench warrant.

Casey also was transported to the county jail.

As officers were en route to the jail, it was reported a female had been detained by police in connection with a separate theft case.

Lisa D. Mead, 48, Cambridge, was charged with criminal trespassing for being inside the store after security officers previously banned her from the business due to previous shoplifting incidents. Mead was also served with two unrelated bench warrants after being transported to the county jail.

In 2012, Mead was banned from entering the Walmart, Dollar General stores or the gift shop at Southeastern Med for three years after being convicted of multiple thefts, according to the Cambridge Municipal Court's website.

The final shoplifting incident was reported at 7:31 p.m. after a male reportedly fled from Walmart with $379.79 worth of merchandise for which he failed to pay. The suspect was last seen fleeing in a dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee.

All of the incidents remained under investigation by Cambridge police.